Neurological research of a high quality by international standards is conducted in Finland. However, the opportunities provided by it remain underused. One of the reasons is the fragmented nature of the field of brain research. If Finland wants to be at the forefront of the development in neuroscience also in the future, the fragmented expertise in neuroscience must be utilised in a coordinated and efficient manner.

The establishment of the national neurocentre is aimed at speeding up national and international research cooperation in the field, at linking research better to practical work with patients and to healthcare and social welfare innovations, and at promoting new growth companies in the field of brain health.

The aim is that the Neurocenter Finland would maintain in an online database comprehensive and up-to-date information on research projects, infrastructures, methods, materials and innovations in the field of neuroscience. The centre is expected to enhance research in the field and strengthen Finland's competitiveness.

The Neurocenter Finland would be based on a one-stop-shop principle and it would operate between Finnish brain research and external, mainly commercial operators to enhance the utilisation and commercialisation of Finnish neuroscientific research, visible as a huge increase in entrepreneurial activities and investments in the field in Finland. In the long-term, its effectiveness could be seen as progress in the treatment and prevention of brain diseases.

Preparation of the Neurocenter

A working group chaired by Reetta Kälviäinen has been set up for the preparation. The University of Eastern Finland is responsible for coordinating the preparation and the preparation stage is led by Mikael von und zu Fraunberg.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will jointly grant EUR 1.8 million to support the 18-month pilot project.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will grant a discretionary government transfer to the project to be allocated to the hospital districts and to pilot projects supporting the objective of the project according to separately determined criteria.